Credit cards and bad credit history

[NuttyMuffins]

I have a bad credit history, nothing major just late payments etc and old ccj's.

Anyhow I applied for a credit card, mainly just to see if I could get one, and was approved. It's got a high APR though which is understandable for my credit history.

Anyway, if i out all of my monthly purchases, ie food shopping etc on it and then paid the balance off in full every month, am i right in thinking that i wouldn't actually pay any interest that way, and it would improve my credit rating ???

thoretically yes- but do make sure you stick to it! its all too easy to slip back into the minimum payment ethos!

Put something on it every month and clear it every month. Do not put everything on it, you will end up in financial poo.

I would tread very very carefully with that - if you are absolutely sure you have enough self-discipline to pay it all off each month then yes, what you say is right. However I know from bitter experience how easy it is to not quite pay all of it off and before you know it you're up the creek again.

Ok, so if i just put my food shop on it then ?? I can then give the money to my mum to keep hold of until the end of the month and then pay the balance off.

I suggest you do that so not to get into fall behind again. In fact if you can don't use it unless in an emergency. That way you cannot get into any trouble.